Undrafted NFL Free Agents 2012: 5 Best Fits Found After the Draft

While being selected in the late rounds of the NFL draft increases a player's earning potential as a rookie, there are advantages to going unpicked and entering the undrafted pool. 

One huge advantage for an undrafted free agent (UDFA) is the ability to pick the team that best fits, whether it be schematically or based on the current depth chart. 

Very few signings have been confirmed by teams, but NEPatriotsDraft.com has annually been a go-to source for accurate reporting on UDFA signings. When looking at their list, the following five UDFA signings are the best fits:

DE/LB Adrian Hamiton (Prairie View A&M) to Dallas Cowboys

The number you need to know is 22, or the number of sacks Hamilton had in his final season at Prairie View A&M. That's an incredible tally—regardless of the competition—and it also broke Robert Mathis' conference record.

If the Cowboys can get anything near the production from Hamilton (6'2", 255 lbs) that Indianapolis received from Mathis, this is the best UDFA signing of the season. While unlikely, you can't teach his natural pass-rushing skills. 

CB Micah Pellerin (Hampton) to Indianapolis Colts

Pellerin has good size (6'0", 197 lbs) for a cornerback and was highly productive during his stint at Hampton. But Pellerin's showing at the East-West Shrine Game during the pre-draft period should give the Colts hope that he could develop into a starting-quality cornerback down the line. 

According to Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com, Pellerin more than held his own against the likes of A.J. Jenkins (a first-round pick) and B.J. Cunningham of Michigan State, displaying a "smooth backpedal" and the ability to quickly get up to speed. 

C Mike Brewster (Ohio State) to Jacksonville Jaguars

Many considered Brewster the top center heading into the 2011 season, but his senior season was a disappointment. Still, most had a mid-round grade on him heading into this draft.

For the Jaguars to get Brewster as an UDFA was a huge get, especially with center Brad Meester aging. Jacksonville can sit Brewster for a couple of years before inserting him as the starting center once Meester moves on or retires. Smart signing. 

RB Chris Polk (Washington) to Philadelphia Eagles

Some had a first-round grade on Polk heading into the draft, but a number of health concerns dropped him completely off the draft board. If kept healthy, however, Polk has the ability to be an impact player as a rookie for the Eagles. 

Polk will have to win a roster spot and beat out the likes of Dion Lewis and Bryce Brown (a seventh-round pick) on the depth, but there's enough talent here to think he can be the Eagles' No. 2 back. On paper, he's a perfect complement to LeSean McCoy. 

S Janzen Jackson (McNeese State) to New York Giants

Without the off-the-field problems, Jackson is probably one of the top safeties drafted in this class. He's filled to the brim with untapped talent, but there was plenty of worry after he burned up chances at Tennessee and eventually at McNeese State. 

However, the Giants use their safeties more than any team in football—often employing three on the field at the same time—so there's potential for Jackson in New York if he's willing to sit back and learn from the veterans.